In this episode, I talk with Jose Matteo, MBA, MSEE, senior project manager, about how integrating technical leadership in AEC projects leads to fewer reworks, stronger schedules, and smarter decision-making across the built environment. We discuss why aligning precision-driven strategies with business goals is the key to successful AEC project management.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jose:
- Why is it valuable to combine engineering and project management on AEC projects, and what benefits typically result from that integration?
- Does applying an engineering mindset improve decision-making and help navigate complex project delivery strategies?
- Where do you see a project manager’s mindset contributing most to successful collaboration with technical engineering teams?
- Can you share some of the most common disconnects you’ve observed between engineers and project managers, and how teams can bridge them effectively?
- Which scheduling tools or planning strategies have helped you build more reliable and realistic timelines?
- Is there a method you rely on for improving schedule accuracy and reducing delays?
- What’s the most common pitfall project managers face, and how can they best avoid or overcome it?
- What are your strategies for tailoring communication and ensuring stakeholder alignment when working with both technical and business-focused stakeholders?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Mastering Technical Leadership in AEC Projects for Better Collaboration and Delivery:
- Integrating engineering and project management helps reduce design rework by identifying risks early and aligning technical insight with execution goals. It also improves risk management in AEC, schedule accuracy, and supports stronger change control through clearer understanding of project deliverables.
- An engineering mindset promotes system-level thinking that connects technical components with constraints like schedule and cost. This perspective allows managers to make informed decisions with clear sequencing and integration planning.
- A project manager’s mindset keeps the overall vision, scope, and stakeholder priorities in focus while navigating constraints. This balance enables stronger collaboration in construction projects, helping teams meet business goals without compromising technical quality.
- One major disconnect is the definition of success, where engineers focus on technical precision and PMs prioritize scope, timeline, and budget. Organizations can close this gap through shared planning, ongoing communication, and alignment on priorities.
- Using historical data and benchmarks helps set realistic expectations. Including agreed-upon buffers ensures flexibility when challenges arise.
- Project managers can analyze completed projects with similar scope to build baseline estimates. Buffers should be incorporated where needed to maintain adaptability and reduce rework.
- Assuming stakeholder alignment without confirmation leads to costly missteps. Documenting all decisions and validating shared understanding are essential steps in effective technical leadership in AEC projects.
- Clear communication tailored to technical, or business audiences strengthens stakeholder alignment. PMs should deliver detailed engineering insights to teams while focusing on outcomes and cost for business leads.
More Details in This Episode…
About Jose Matteo, MBA, MSEE
Jose Matteo is a Florida-based project manager and engineer with 12+ years of experience delivering complex software and electromechanical projects across regulated industries. With an MBA in finance and a master’s in electrical engineering, he specializes in Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project methodologies. Certified as a PMP and Scrum Master, Jose is passionate about operational excellence, team collaboration, and driving impactful results in technology-focused environments.
About the Host
Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM
Fiona Johann, PMP, joined The Engineering Management Institute as the strategic initiatives team leader in February 2025. With eight years of experience in developing leadership programs in an academic setting, she brings valuable expertise in planning and executing impactful initiatives. Fiona utilizes her PMP certification and program management skills to oversee events like PM AEC Connect and optimize internal processes for improved efficiency. Based in central North Carolina, she combines her strategic approach with a passion for driving successful outcomes at EMI.
Sources/References:
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Scrum Alliance
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Connect with Jose Matteo, MBA, MSEE, on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
Keynote Speaking
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